Prior to World War II, Audi’s predecessor, Auto Union, competed in Grand Prix motor racing from 1935 to 1939. Auto Union was founded in 1932 as a merger of four struggling automotive firms: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. In 1935, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler initiated a state-sponsored motor racing programme, fostering a rivalry between Auto Union and Mercedes-Benz, with an annual 500,000 ℛℳ (£40,000; £2,480,000 in 2025) prize for the most successful car, eventually rising to 3,125,000 ℛℳ (£250,000; £15,470,000 in 2025). Auto Union was later absorbed by Volkswagen in 1964, becoming the modern-day Audi company.
The team’s immediate predecessor, Sauber, debuted in Formula One in 1993, after years of sportscar racing. Sauber operated as a customer team, partnered with Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Ferrari (rebadged as Petronas) before becoming the factory team for BMW from 2006 to 2009. Sauber achieved its best Constructors' Championship results with second place in 2007 and third in 2008, the latter including a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix with Robert Kubica. Following financial difficulties and a failed acquisition attempt, Sauber returned to independent operation in 2010, using Ferrari engines. A sponsorship deal with Alfa Romeo led to a full rebrand from 2019 to 2023, before a switch to Stake and Kick sponsorship.
Audi announced its intention to enter Formula One as a power unit manufacturer in 2026, coinciding with a planned regulation overhaul. In October 2022, Audi confirmed its partnership with Sauber, initially acquiring a minority stake . By March 2024, Audi had completed a full takeover of Sauber . The team’s chassis is constructed at the former Sauber headquarters in Hinwil, Switzerland, while the power unit is developed by Audi Formula Racing GmbH in Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. A technology centre was also opened at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire, England, to attract specialized personnel. Audi debuted the R26 at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, designed for the new chassis and power unit regulations.
Veteran driver Nico Hülkenberg and rookie Gabriel Bortoleto joined Sauber on multi-year contracts from 2025, becoming Audi’s initial driver lineup for its Formula One debut. Neel Jani was signed as a simulator driver to aid in car development. At the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, Bortoleto scored Audi’s first points in Formula One, finishing ninth, while Hülkenberg was unable to start due to technical issues.
The Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix were cancelled due to the ongoing Iran conflict. In China, Bortoleto was unable to start as Hülkenberg brought home a P11, after unfortunate safety car timing. The unluckiness of the safety car continued in Japan, where Hülkenberg brought home another P11, while Bortoleto settled for 13th after a poor start.
Audi Revolut F1 Team operates with a German racing license and is based across three facilities in Europe: Hinwil, Switzerland; Bicester, Oxfordshire, England; and Neuburg an der Donau, Germany. Audi has stated a five-year plan to challenge for championships by 2030. Jonathan Wheatley was the inaugural team principal, later replaced by Mattia Binotto, who also serves as CEO. James Key is the team's Technical Director, and Allan McNish is the Racing Director.
Audi launched their driver development programme in January 2026, led by former Formula One driver Allan McNish.
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